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CITY OF LEWISTON, MAINE Storm Water Pollution Prevention for the Androscoggin River and No Name Pond Remember…. Storm drains are NOT connected to the sanitary sewer, do NOT get treated, and may discharge directly into the Androscoggin River, Little Androscoggin River, No Name Pond, Lake Auburn, Taylor Pond, and Sabattus Pond. If you have concerns regarding storm water pollution, please call us at [PHONE REDACTED], x3421. Phone: [PHONE REDACTED] Phone: [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] E-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] www.lewistonmaine.gov CITY OF LEWISTON Department of Public Works 103 Adams Ave. Lewiston, ME 04240 Things to Keep in Mind Storm Water Explained, and How You Can Help! Only with your help can we keep our rivers and lakes beautiful, www.thinkbluemaine.org and prevent this tragedy from happening. ---PAGE BREAK--- Imagine a raindrop falling from the sky and hitting a solid surface, such as a parking lot, road, or roof. As it runs off this surface, it collects soil, pesticides, spilled oil, gasoline, and bacteria. It flows directly into your local river or lake...or it might go through a storm drain...to an outfall...then into a water body. Now imagine an entire storm—lots of raindrops—or lots of melting snow— sweeping these contaminants into streams and ponds, then into the Androscoggin River watershed! It happens and it is called: POLLUTED STORM WATER RUNOFF. How Does Storm Water Impact Me and My Community? POLLUTED STORM WATER RUNOFF CAN HARM PLANTS, FISH, ANIMALS, AND PEOPLE. Sediment can destroy aquatic life. Bacteria can cause beach closures. Household hazardous wastes can poison aquatic life. Polluted storm water can affect drinking water sources. Lawn Care Don’t overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible. Compost or mulch yard wastes. Don’t leave it in the street or sweep it into road ditches, storm drains, or streams. Don’t Litter Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways, streets, ditches and parking lots, especially around storm drains. Debris—plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts—washed into water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life such as ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Septic Systems Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release bacteria and viruses that can be picked up by storm water and discharged into nearby water bodies. This can cause public health problems and en- vironmental concerns. Pump your tank as necessary (every 3-5 years). Auto Care Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants into local rivers and lakes. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a water body. Wash your car within your yard so that the water goes into the ground. Repair oil and fluid leaks. Dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at a designated drop-off or recycling locations. Pet Waste When walking your pet, remember to pick up its waste and properly dispose of it—it’s the law. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash directly into local water bodies by flowing over solid surfaces or through storm drains. How Can I Keep Storm Water from Becoming Polluted?